ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Union Minister Of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Releases ‘Swachhata Chronicles: Transformative Tales From India’
Chronicle Is A Compilation Of 75 ODF Plus Best Practices Of States, To Highlight Innovation And Promote Cross Learning
The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, released the compendium of 75 ODF Plus Best Practices, at the two-day National Conference of Rural WASH Partners Forum  which culminated today. The compendium, titled Swachhata Chronicles: Transformative Tales from India, showcases the innovations, measures taken to overcome barriers and raise awareness, special campaigns launched, and other endeavours of States/UTs in various ODF Plus activities in order to meet the goals of SBM-G Phase-II.
Talking about the compendium of 75 ODF Plus Best Practices, Union Minister, Shri Shekhawat said “The compendium is a valuable resource for States and other stakeholders working towards achieving ODF Plus”. “It showcases the best practices that have been implemented across the country and provides inspiration for others to replicate these successes.”
The compendium is developed by Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen IEC team and comprises stories for each of the thematic pillars of SBMG phase - II. The overall selection of stories is based on following key criteria:
Innovations: This section highlights the innovative approaches that have been used to achieve ODF Plus. For example, in State of Odisha how the community participation and leadership at the Block level, ensured ODF Plus Model village status of Jitikar Suanlo village in Bhingarpur GP of Khordha District or how displaying live models of ODF Plus assets  helped the Shravasti District in Uttar Pradesh achieve ODF Plus status.
Overcoming Barriers: This section discusses the challenges that have been faced in achieving ODF Plus and how these challenges have been overcome. For example, the State of Tamil Nadu, tackled the significant challenge in solid waste management in peri-urban panchayats of Madurai through an innovative mass cleaning initiative as part of the Namma Ooru Superu campaign.
Raising Awareness: This section highlights the measures that have been taken to raise awareness about sanitation. For example, children from government schools in Fatehpur District of Uttar Pradesh have been using their creative energy to promote positive WASH behaviour in rural areas through a magazine called the WASH Vaani.
Special Campaigns: This section discusses the special campaigns that have been launched to achieve ODF Plus. For example, the State of Gujarat as part of the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar  campaign, initiated measures to clean their beaches on a regular basis and thereby protect the environment.
Click here to read ‘Swachhata Chronicles: Transformative Tales From India’
Ministry of Home Affairs
37th National Symposium of Heads of Police Training Institutions organized by Bureau of Police Research & Development at New Delhi
The 37th National Symposium of Heads of Police Training Institutions was organized by Bureau of Police Research & Development  in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Smt. Archana Ramasundaram, Member, Lokpal, Government of India, yesterday. The theme of the two day Symposium was ‘Optimal Utilization of Resources-Through Sharing and Networking’.
The Chief Guest appreciated the efforts of the BPR&D in capacity building and shaping of the Indian Police. She highlighted the fundamental requirement of annual recruitment policy for the police, so that their training at the State or organizational level could be planned better. Delayed and sporadic recruitment in huge numbers puts excessive burden on the existing training infrastructure and trainers.
A Directory of Indian Police Training Institutions  was released by the Chief Guest that has information on the resources of around 300 Police training institutions all over the country. Revised Police Drill Manual  and Compendium of Trial Court Judgements in grave cases like rapes, murders, etc., were also released. The Chief Guest also felicitated Sh. Shashi Kant Upadhyay, DIG , BPR&D, for winning the Gold Medal, by attaining the 1st position in MBA , from the IP University.
The Valedictory session was presided over by Shri Rajiv Jain, former Director, Intelligence Bureau,today. While speaking on the occasion, he appreciated the theme chosen, which signifies the need of the hour, i.e., sharing and ensuring optimal utilization of the police training resources. He further mentioned that such type of networking creates better synergy and also helps in adopting the best practices of others.
While speaking during the inaugural session, Shri V.S.K. Kaumudi, DG, BPR&D, reminded the delegates about the expectations of the common man from the police and emphasized the need for a clear-cut training policy. He apprised the house of the efforts of the BPR&D in the direction of enhancement of training capacity through its CDTIs, DSI courses, VICs, etc., with special focus on crime against women and children.
Speaking during the valedictory session, Shri Kaumudi informed that the Resolutions of the 37th Symposium will be circulated to all the States/UTs/CAPFs/CPOs for follow-up. He also emphasized the need of sharing of common resources and best practices and offered that BPR& D has been working as a hub for the training institutions all over the country.
The two day symposium was attended by the Heads of Police Training Institutions of States/UTs/Central Armed Police Forces/Central Police Organisations, academia and domain experts.
Ministry of Steel
INS Vikrant constructed with SAIL’s specialty steel
Company supplied 30000 Tonnes of DMR Plates
SAIL actively fueling Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India
The country’s steelmaking giant, Steel Authority of India Limited , a Maharatna PSU, has supplied the entire DMR grade specialty steel for the nation’s first indigenously built Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant. In a major feat and towards building an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, SAIL has supplied about 30000 Tonnes of the specialty steel for building this first swadeshi Aircraft Carrier for Indian Navy which will be commissioned on 02ndSeptember, 2022 at Cochin Shipyard Ltd.
The steel supplied by SAIL for this indigenous project comprises of special DMR grade Plates. These DMR grade plates have been developed by SAIL in collaboration with Indian Navy and DMRL. The DMR plates of Grade 249 A were used for the hull and vessel interiors and Grade 249 B for the flight deck of this warship. The entire quantity of speciality steel, except for the bulb bars, has been supplied by SAIL’s integrated steel plants at Bhilai, Bokaro and Rourkela. This special grade steel, DMR plates, which has been used for the construction of INS Vikrant is an import substitute.
Commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier is a momentous occasion for our nation during the Amritkaal of India’s 75 years of independence and signifies country’s confidence and prowess. This indigenous aircraft carrier is a proof of Country’s technical acumen and engineering skills. This demonstration of India’s self-sufficiency  to produce an aircraft carrier warship will reinforce the country’s defence indigenization programs and ‘Make in India’ campaign. With the commissioning of INS Vikrant, our nation has forayed into the elite club of nations who can build their own aircraft carriers and it is extremely gratifying for SAIL to be a partner in creating this engineering marvel.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice-President greets the nation on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti
I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of Truth  and Non-violence  were the guiding light in India’s struggle for independence against colonial rule. His relentless pursuit of freedom and equality remains a beacon- not just for Bharat, but for the global community- in our quest for a just and harmonious society.
As we pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, let us pledge to follow in his footsteps and strive to uphold Gandhi Ji’s vision of self-reliance, inclusivity and universal brotherhood for ever-greater progress of Bharat.
Hindi translation of the message
मैं गांधी जयंती के अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएं देता हूं।
महात्मा गांधी के सत्य  और अहिंसा के सिद्धांतों ने भारत की स्वतंत्रता के लिए औपनिवेशिक शासन के खिलाफ संघर्ष में मार्गदर्शक की भूमिका निभाई। स्वतंत्रता और समानता के लिए उनके द्वारा किए गए निरंतर प्रयास न केवल भारत बल्कि पूरे वैश्विक समुदाय के लिए एक न्यायपूर्ण और सामंजस्यपूर्ण समाज की स्थापना में प्रकाश स्तंभ की तरह हैं ।
इस शुभ अवसर पर राष्ट्रपिता को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करते हुए आइए हम उनके दिखाए गए मार्ग पर चलने का संकल्प लें और भारत की प्रगति के लिए गांधी जी के आत्मनिर्भरता, समावेशी और आपसी भाईचारे के दृष्टिकोण को आत्मसात करने का प्रयास करें।
Ministry of Defence
Phase 2 of Exercise MALABAR 2020 in Western Indian Ocean
The second phase of Exercise Malabar 2020 will be conducted in the Northern Arabian Sea from 17 to 20 November 2020. Taking forward the synergy achieved in the recently concluded Phase 1 of Exercise Malabar 2020, which was conducted in the Bay of Bengal from 03 to 06 November 2020, this phase will involve coordinated operations of increasing complexity between the navies of Australia, India, Japan and the United States.
Phase 2 of Exercise MALABAR 2020 will witness joint operations, centered around the Vikramaditya Carrier Battle Group of the Indian Navy and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group of the US Navy. The two carriers, along with other ships, submarine and aircraft of the participating navies, would be engaged in high intensity naval operations over four days.These exercises include cross-deck flying operations and advanced air defence exercises by MIG 29K fighters of VikramadityaandF-18 fighters and E2C Hawkeye from Nimitz.In addition, advanced surface and anti-submarine warfare exercises, seamanship evolutions and weapon firings will also be undertaken to further enhance inter-operability and synergy between the four friendly navies.
In addition to Vikramaditya and its fighter and helicopter air-wings, indigenous destroyers Kolkata and Chennai, stealth frigate Talwar, Fleet Support Ship Deepak and integral helicopters will also participate in the exercise, led by Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet. Indigenously built submarineKhanderiand P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the Indian Navy will also showcase their capabilities during the exercise.
US Navy’s Strike Carrier Nimitz will be accompanied by cruiser Princeton and destroyer Sterett in addition to P8A maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The Royal Australian Navy will be represented by frigate Ballarat along with its integral helicopter. JMSDFwill also participate in the exercise.
The Malabar series of exercises, which began as an annual bilateral naval exercise between India and the US in 1992, has seen increasing scope and complexity over the years. The 24th edition of MALABAR, which is being presently undertaken, highlights enhanced convergence of views amongst the four vibrant democracies on maritime issues, and showcases their commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.
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Ministry of Tourism
Meghalaya government closes down all tourist places in the state till 31st March as a precautionary measure in the light of COVID-19 virus
The Government of Meghalaya has closed down all Tourist places in the State of Meghalaya till 31st March, 2020 as a precautionary measure in the light of COVID-19 virus. The state government, in a press release, has also said that there is a possibility that the close down may be extended up to 15th April, 2020. The state has advised that all tourists intending to visit Shillong and other places in Meghalaya are requested to re-schedule their travel plans accordingly.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Pilot Project for Using FASTags for Parking Purposes Launched at Hyderabad Airport
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has started a pilot project for using FASTags for parking purposes at Hyderabad Airport. The pilot project has been launched in two phases, the first being a controlled pilot testing, wherein only ICICI tags would be used. The second phase of pilot shall cover all other Issuer Bank tags. This has been done to ensure the benefits of FASTag beyond tolling. Conceptualised as FASTag 2.0, it covers parking payments, fuel payments, etc. After the success in Hyderabad, the project will be launched at Delhi airport. Other banks like SBI, Axis, HDFC & IDFC are also in talks with airports in Mumbai, Bangalore & few of the malls to launch FASTag 2.0.
With the Parking use case, all the vehicles fitted with FASTags, as also those sold post December 2017, will automatically benefit as they have been already fitted with a FASTag. The journey of FASTag 2.0 has many exciting use cases like Fuel Payments, Enforcement  payments, Access Management at offices and residence. GST council has also mandated FASTag for all commercial vehicles which would be generating an E-way bill from 1st April, 2020. This integration will be a big boost to GSTN as it would help in identifying the leakages with respect to non-issuance/ miss reporting of E-way bill.
National Electronic Toll Collection  programme, the flagship initiative of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been implemented on pan India basis across National Highway toll plazas. It has given a major fillip to the digital India initiative by converting cash toll payments to electronic and brought in an enhanced transparency in entire tolling ecosystem. With the recent mandate to declare all lanes of fee plazas on National Highways as “FASTag lanes”, it has seen a much wider adoption both in terms of new tag sales as well as higher transactions at the toll plazas.
FASTag issuance saw a huge jump during the last two weeks of November last. Form a daily average of twenty eight thousand tags, the daily issuance shot to a daily average of 1.5 lakh tags in last 5 days. Similarly, transactions have also gone up - from an average one million daily transactions to around 1.6-1.7 million daily transactions.
The mandate would definitely increase the penetration of NETC, as many of the toll plazas are already collecting 50-55% of the toll collection through FASTag. The higher NETC penetration will ensure a seamless movement of traffic and would bring down the overall Logistic cost in the country. The increase in NETC penetration would also add a lot of transparency in the ecosystem.
Special Service and Features
BIS OFFICIALS RAIDS A CAPACITOR MANUFACTURING UNIT MISUSING ISI MARK
A team of Officials from Bureau of Indian Standards , Chennai Branch Office-II, Chennai conducted an Enforcement Search and Seizure operation today at M/s Sri Balaji Capacitors Pvt Ltd, Begepalli Post, Govinda Agraharam Village, Hosur on information of suspected Misuse of ISI Mark.
During the operation, in pursuance of Section 28 of BIS Act 2016, the firm was found to be misusing the BIS Standard Mark  on AC Motor Capacitors bearing Brand Name “BCL”, without any valid licence/authorization [The firm’s licence expired in Jan 2021, however then continued to produce - Capacitors with Standard Mark without any valid licence from BIS. Around 155 nos. of AC Motor Capacitors bearing Brand Name “BCL” were seized during as it is a violation of BIS Act, 2016.
Action is being initiated by BIS SRO, CNBO-II, Chennai against the offender under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The offence is punishable with imprisonment up to two years or a fine not less than Rs. 2 Lakhs but may extend up to ten times the value of goods or articles produced or sold or offered to be sold or affixed or applied with a Standard Mark or both as per Section 29 of BIS Act, 2016 for first Contravention.
General public are, therefore, requested that in case they come across any instances of Misuse of ISI Mark the same may be intimated to the BIS Southern Regional Office, CIT Campus, 4th Cross Road, Taramani, Chennai-600 113. Such complaints can also be made by using the BIS Care App or by sending an E-Mail to cnbo2@bis.gov.in. The source of such information would be strictly kept confidential. For further information, kindly contact BIS SRO Chennai Office on Phone No: 044-2254 1984. BIS Website www.bis.gov.in and eBIS  may be browsed for general information on BIS. According to a press release issued by BIS Southern Regional Office, Chennai.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 193.53 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 17.31 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,93,53,58,865
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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17,31,18,435
More than 193.53 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than17.31 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Railways
SALIENT FEATURES OF HIGHEST RAILWAY BRIDGE ON RIVER CHENAB
Hon’ble Minister of Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw's Media Brief from Chenab Bridge
1. The much-awaited world's highest railway bridge spans the Chenab River at a height of 359 m  above the river, which is 35 meters taller than Paris' Eiffel Tower.
2. The arch bridge between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is 1,178 feet above the riverbed, forming a crucial link from Katra to Banihal. It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link , a dream project worth Rs 35000 crore.
3. The bridge has passed all the mandatory tests.
4. The people of Jammu and Kashmir will get the bridge after two decades of waiting since the project was approved in 2003 but was delayed shortly due to fears of stability and safety. In the year 2008, the contract for constructing one of the highest railway bridges was awarded.
5. Union Minister of Railway, Communications and Electronic and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that all the tests on Chenab Railway Bridge have been conducted and were successful.
The tests that have been conducted to check the stability and safety of the world's highest bridge include high-velocity winds test, extreme temperatures test, earthquake-prone test and hydrological impacts due to water level increase.
6. Once completed, the bridge will be able to withstand winds with speeds up to 260 kmph and will have a lifespan of 120 years. The construction of the highest railway bridge was the biggest civil-engineering challenge faced by any railway project in India in recent history. Over the last three years, engineers have been building the arch with the help of two mammoth cable cranes installed on both banks of the Chenab -- the Kauri end and the Bakkal end.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM pays homage to armed forces for 1971 war victory on Vijay Diwas
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to all those brave armed forces personnel who ensured India attained an exceptional win in the 1971 war on the occasion of Vijay Diwas.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to all those brave armed forces personnel who ensured India attained an exceptional win in the 1971 war. Our nation will always be indebted to the armed forces for their role in keeping the country safe and secure."
IFSC Authority
International Financial Services Centres Authority  inks MoU with IIML -EIC
MoU aims to put in place a framework during collaboration in supporting and facilitating FinTech and TechFin entities
International Financial Services Centers Authority  and IIML-EIC, have today signed a MoU at IIM  Lucknow EIC, Noida campus in Uttar Pradesh.
This MoU aims to put in place a framework for cooperation and understanding between IFSCA and IIML- EIC to collaborate in supporting and facilitating FinTech and TechFin entities.
The IFSCA is responsible for development and regulation of international financial services, including that of insurance sector, in the IFSC, which is treated as a separate international financial jurisdiction, distinct from rest of India. IFSCA aims to develop a strong global connect and focus on the needs of the Indian economy as well as to serve as an international financial platform at regional/ global level.
The IIML -EIC IIML EIC is promoted by Indian Institute of Management Lucknow and supported by National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board , Department of Science and Technology , Government of India and Government of state of Uttar Pradesh.The IIML EIC is focused on providing speed and faster growth to new ventures for successful commercialization of technology / product through a combination of accelerator programme, seed capital, corporate venture capital funds, smart co-working space, corporate market access, mentoring and training programmes.
This MoU will enable cooperation and collaboration on diverse initiatives regarding FinTech. FinTechs registered with IIML EIC may be facilitated to access IFSCA's Regulatory and Innovation Sandbox and apply to the IFSCA  Scheme, 2022.
Ministry of Defence
President Shri Ram Nath Kovind approves Gallantry & other decorations for ICG personnel on the eve of Independence Day 2021
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST OR USED ON SOCIAL MEDIA BEFORE AUGUST 15, 2021, 0001 HRS
Key Highlights:
· President approves four awards for conspicuous gallantry & meritorious service to ICG personnel
· One Tatrakshak Medal 
· Three Tatrakshak Medal 
On the occasion of 75th Independence Day 2021, President Shri Ram Nath Kovind has awarded one Tatrakshak Medal  and three Tatrakshak Medal  to the following Indian Coast Guard personnel for their act of conspicuous gallantry and meritorious service. The detailed list of the awardees is as follows:
 Tatrakshak Medal 
 Commandant  Sankar Raju 
 Tatrakshak Medal 
 DIG Anil Kumar Telmogaru 
 DIG Sundaram Babu Venkatesh 
 Harvinder Singh, P/Adh , 01133-Z
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